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Safety of slope in Kwun Lung Lau
Following is a question by Dr the Hon Huang Chen-ya and a written reply by the Secretary for Works, Mr James Blake, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
Will the Government inform this Council:
(a)
(b)
(c)
whether the Government is still monitoring the safety of the slope in Kwun Lung Lau; if so, what inspections and studies the consultants have carried out and what the results are:
whether the subsurface drainage has been inspected by closed-circuit TV; if so, what the results are; and
whether the Government will carry out repair works on the slope; if so, when will such works be completed?
Reply:
Mr President,
(a)
Following the fatal landslide below Block D at Kwun Lung Lau on 23.7.94, a statutory order under s27A of the Buildings Ordinance was served on the Hong Kong Housing Society (HKHS) on 30 July 1994 by the Building Authority. This order required the investigation and submission of remedial proposals for the existing retaining wall and slopes below Blocks D and E. A similar order was served on 11 January 1995 in respect of the existing slope and retaining wall below Block G. A further similar order was served on 31 May 1995 on both the HKHS and the owners of 71-77 Smithfield, in respect of the existing slope below Block B.
All the above mentioned statutory orders provide for the appointment of an authorised person to supervise the work required by the order, and the appointment of such authorised persons includes responsibility for monitoring stability until completion of preventive works and giving warning of impending danger.